A landmark eco-development looks set to get to go ahead despite fierce opposition from locals.

Those behind the zero-carbon, zero- emission Portzed claim they will create some of the greenest homes in Brighton and Hove.

Original proposals for the land, overlooking Aldrington basin in Kingsway, Hove, were rejected after opposition from locals about height and noise.

But after planning experts at Brighton and Hove City Council ruled the revised £10 million scheme of up to five storeys would “not cause signifi- cant harm”, councillors look set to give it the go-ahead at a meeting tomorrow.

This is despite politicians recently unanimously agreeing guidance that no new building in the area is taller than four storeys.

Colin Brace, of Harbour View Development, said: “I am obviously delighted we have received an extremely positive recommendation from the planning officer which recognises the efforts we have gone to amend the previous application.”

Mr Brace added he felt the scheme would “act as a catalyst to stimulate the wider port redevelopment”.

Plans for the development were first unveiled in 2010.

But councillors rejected the plan in March 2012 after strong opposition led by the Kingsway and West Hove Resi- dents’ Association (Kawhra).

Revised plans for the terrace of lozenge-shaped buildings, which includes 40% social housing and a green visitor centre, were submitted earlier this year.

This saw the height lowered to five storeys, wind turbines plans scrapped and the number of apartments reduced from 67 to 52.

However, eco elements such as solar panels, “edible” walls and a green business hub, were retained.

While planning experts claim the building will impact on the area, they believe the benefits outweigh the concerns over height.

If councillors go along with the recommendation, they will go against the unanimous decision at the council’s economic development committee which ruled no building in the area should be higher than the Vega flats nearby.

Mike Sharman, chairman of Kawhra, said: “Kawhra believes this brief should be honoured, and local residents want a development on the site that doesn't loom over them and block the winter sunlight of homes opposite for 19 weeks.”

The Regency Society backed the plans claiming it was a “positive example for future development that would help to address the city’s housing shortage and pressing issues of energy conservation and sustainable design.

However, the Brighton Society objects claiming it is “considerably higher than the stated maximum height”.

A decision will be taken tomorrow in Hove Town Hall from 2pm.